The ground cracked violently beneath their feet, the tremors escalating to a deafening crescendo. James barely had time to register the seismic scanner's shrieking alarm before the earth gave way.
The volcanic terrain crumbled in an avalanche of glowing rock, and the group was hurled downward into a yawning chasm.
"Hold on!" Sylvia shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos as her wings flared with light. A radiant shield formed overhead, deflecting falling debris and molten rock, but the sudden collapse left no time for planning. They slid down a jagged slope of obsidian, the intense heat licking at their skin despite the runestones' protection.
James gritted his teeth as sharp shards tore into his gloves, his hands desperately clawing for purchase. Kael growled beside him, his claws gouging into the volcanic surface to slow his descent, while Thrain bellowed curses, his hammer clutched tightly.